Held this week, the annual awards acknowledge initiatives championed by individuals, communities, government agencies, businesses and schools that help build resilience in local communities.

Mayor Margert Thomas said the City was highly commended in the Local Government Award category for its commitment to educating and raising awareness of emergency situations and the importance of being prepared.

“Already this year, WA has seen its fair share of emergency events with the Wooraloo bushfire and Cyclone Seroja in the Midwest testing our resolve,” Cr Thomas said. “And this just goes to show, while you cannot stop an emergency event you can prepare and do your best to minimise many risks.”

Specific to bushfire preparedness, the City’s primary aim has been to share educational information that equips the community to better prepare for an emergency event and to recognise when it is safe to leave – well before there is a threat to home and life.

“Encouraging the community to be self-reliant and self-sufficient when faced with an emergency is hugely empowering and assists in building a more resilient community,” Cr Thomas said.

Additionally, the awareness project has enjoyed great community buy-in thanks to a mixed-media video series sharing practical suggestions for both large and small animals prior to emergency events.

Find a full list of the 2021 Resilient Australia WA Awards winners via https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2021/08/Initiatives-for-building-resilience-against-disasters-recognised.aspx.

Find more information on the City of Kalamunda’s bushfire and storm preparedness initiatives via https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/residents/prepare